let me first join him in paying tribute to pope benedict xvi. he is a spiritual leader for 2 billion people in the world, and a theologian of great distinction. his visit to the united kingdom will be long remembered as a proud moment for millions of catholics in this country, many people of other faiths, and, indeed, many members of the house. his decision to stand down will not have been reached lightly, and it is right for members in all parts of the house to acknowledge his service. i also join the prime minister in welcoming the agreement that has been reached on a cut in the seven-year payment ceilings for the european union budget. at a time when so many budgets were being cut at home, the house voted for a real-terms cut last october, and it was right to do so. no doubt it was just an oversight that in his statement he forgot to express his thanks to members on his own benches and on those of the opposition for giving him such a strong negotiating mandate. even he must see the irony of his having sought to vote down a proposal that turne